Links for Singapore Math

Every wonder exactly what Singapore Math is? Visit Wikipedia to find out.

Want the latest information on Singapore Math right from the experts? Visit the first
Singapore Math site for up to date information and answers to your questions.

Need extra help with your Singapore Math? You can find help and extra worksheets here.

Not sure you completely understand Singapore Math? Need to see it "in person?" You can
watch a lesson and see it in action here.

I am at the National Singapore Math Conference as I write this. It is being held in Las Vegas, Nevada and has so far been worth every minute (and every dime). I have learned the best ways to use manipulatives and there is one I thought I would share. 

The big thing in Slapshot math as I call it, is number bonds. A number bond is two parts that somehow equal a whole. Used in the lower grades in both addition and subtraction, they are a staple for this program. For example:

                         4

                                         20

                         5                

In other words the two parts, 4 and 5, equal 20. However, you use language to say it as a math sentence. So, 4 AND 5 ARE 20. One of the coolest manipulatives we made this week so far are number bond bracelets. Here is how:

               Take a pipe cleaner in one color and some beads in another, contrasting color. String the beads onto the pipe cleaner, and connect making a circle. Fold a piece of masking tape around on end to make a hanging piece to write on. That is where you write how many beads are on your bond. The bond is the circle. Then you can slide the beads around to make different bonds.

For example: a red number bond bracelet with seven yellow beads: how many ways can you make or show seven? You can slide 2 beads apart, making 5 and 2. You can slide 3 beads apart making 3 and 4. 

These are a great project for students of any age! Try it: whether you are a student or teacher...

Using Multiplication to Divide...

It is very easy to use multiplication to divide. Think of multiplication as putting groups of things together and dividing as taking them apart. for example, if we had 5 California Poppys in each group, and we had 3 groups, we would have 15 total. This is multiplication at its simplest: 3 groups of 5 is the same as 3x5 which is 15 total.

3x5=15

Now let's suppose we have 15 California Poppys and we need them to be placed into 3 different vases. Each vase must have the same number of poppys in it to make it fair. We are now going to divide the group of 15 California Poppys into 3 smaller groups. This is division: 15 Poppys total divided into 3 smaller groups is the same as 15/3 which is 5.

15/3=5.

These are the opposites: 3x5=15 and 15/3=5. 15/5=3 and 5x3=15.

To make it easy to divide, you can use multiplication. if you know that 5x3=15, then you can say 15/?=3 or what times 3=15. Turn around the problem, and you have a multiplication problem to answer your division problem.

15/3=? 3x?=15. Oh ya, 3x5=15, so then: 15/3 must = 5!!

It is that simple: Now you try: Multiply and divide and post your answers as a comment...

6x2=12 what is 12/2?



4x5=20 what is 20/4?



9x3=27 what is 27/9?

Caliofrnia state standards this addresses: Grade Three, Algebra and Functions 1.0 and 2.0.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/mathstandard.pdf

Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division are simply the opposites of each other. When you multiply something together you are taking individual numbers and creating more of something. How many in a group times how many groups of something is the end result. Division is the opposite really. It is taking that end result and dividing it back into smaller groups of smaller amounts.

Thinking of math in simple terms like this makes it easier to understand for third graders.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Slapshot math blog. Slapshot math is my Mom's nickname for the style of Math I love to teach my students. It is all about really understanding what you are learning. Please feel free to browse abouot and tell me what you think!